How to Find MySQL, PHP and Apache Configuration Files

In this post, we will learn a number of commands for locating the default configuration files for MySQL database server (my.conf), PHP programming language (php.ini) and Apache HTTP server (http.conf), which together with Linux form the LAMP (Linux Apache Mysql/MariaDB PHP) stack.

A configuration file (or config file) contains system related or application settings. It gives developers and administrators control over operation of the system or an application.

As a Linux Sysadmin, knowing the location of configuration files or mastering means of finding them is an invaluable skill.

In Linux Directory Structure, the /etc directory or its sub-directories store system related or application configuration files.

Although this is the primary location of configuration files, a few developers choose to store other configuration files in custom directories.

How To Find PHP (php.ini) Configuration File

PHP can be controlled from the terminal using php command line utility, in conjunction with the -i switch which enables showing of PHP information and configurations and grep command help you to can find the PHP configuration file like so:

$ php -i | grep "Loaded Configuration File"

Find PHP (php.ini) Configuration File

Find Apache http.conf/apache2.conf Configuration File

You can invoke apache2 directly (which is not recommended in most cases) or administer it using apache2ctl control interface as below with the -V flag which shows the version and build parameters of apache2:

Aaron Kili is a Linux and F.O.S.S enthusiast, an upcoming Linux SysAdmin, web developer, and currently a content creator for TecMint who loves working with computers and strongly believes in sharing knowledge.

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